Germany dazzle but lose two points in five minutes – Five thoughts from Germany v Netherlands

Manuel Veth –

Manuel Veth –

Germany v Netherlands was tail of 85 minutes and five minutes. Die Nationalmannschaft continued their positive trend completely dominating Oranje for 85 minutes and had a secure lead thanks to goals by Timo Werner and Leroy Sane. In the second half, Germany remained in control but despite several chances failed to score a third and when Quincy Promes scored the Netherland’s first goal lost control of the match and subsequently had to be happy with just a point.

An odd rebuild by Germany

Kroos joined die Nationalmannschaft after Germany’s 3-0 win over Russia. It is hard to criticize Löw for starting Kroos over Havertz. In fact, Löw had a bit of a selection headache as there is plenty of talent in a side that is supposed to be in a rebuild.

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“The rebuild will not go from one day to another. We don’t spend enough time together to make it work right away. We have started the process, and it will take all of next year,” Löw explained after the match.

It is, however, not a typical rebuild in which Germany needs to develop young players. Instead, it is more about getting the existing horsepower on the field. Ahead of 2018 Germany won the 2017 Confederations Cup and 2017 European Championships Löw’s task is now to get those younger players to play in a new style that we have seen in parts against France, Russia and the Netherlands.

Löw’s biggest problem, however, will be no games until March, which means the rebuild and tactical adjustments could take some time.

Germany v Netherlands – Leroy Sane of Germany battles for possession with Denzel Dumfries of the Netherlands during the UEFA Nations League A group one match between Germany and Netherlands at Veltins-Arena on November 19, 2018 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

“We give feedback between the matches. What happens on the field is what helps the players the most. In March we start once again from the bottom.”

Leroy Sané continues to make headlines

Once again Bundestrainer Joachim Löw trusted the young guns Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané and Timo Werner up front. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz had to make room for Toni Kroos.

Sané scored against both Russia and the Netherlands. The young Manchester City striker seems to have natural chemistry with Werner and Gnabry and the three sliced open Oranje at will at times.

“The three up front were very good the last few games. It was something we focused on, to have more aggressiveness in the final third and go deep when we attack,” Löw said with a smile on his face.

Asked by ARDwhether it was a mistake not to nominate the Manchester City forward Löw was somewhat evasive: “Not taking him is a yesterday story. Leroy learned a lot from not being nominated. His tactical discipline has increased and he helps more defensively.”

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“I have been very happy with Leroy Sané’s form. Since September he has been in excellent form and plays the way we expected,” Löw added.

Germany to playful and helpful towards Thomas Müller

Perhaps it was the lack of experience. But Germany had the Netherlands on the brink of a debacle.

“We must learn as a team. We had a few big chances to get the third goal. We had less control in the second half. We must be better,” midfielder Toni Kroos said after the game.

Kroos was right Germany were dominant. Even in the second half when Löw took off Werner, Gnabry and then Sané Germany had further chances.

But when Thomas Müller came on to celebrate his 100th cap there was perhaps a bit too much attention towards getting the Bayern forward his goal. Too many times die Nationalmannschaft looked for an extra pass to create that chance for Müller.

“We should have scored a third goal in the second half,” Löw concluded. That third goal without a doubt would have capped it off.

Germany v Netherlands – Oranje scored two in five minutes

“I am not sure but when they scored the first goal they threw everything forward, that is the price you pay for playing a young team. That is the sort of experience the team still has to go gain,” Löw added

“There were a lot of disappointed faces in the dressing room,” the national team coach added. “The last impression is the one that remains despite us playing a good game,” Timo Werner added.

Instead, Quincy Promes (85′) and then Virgil van Dijk (90′) scored in what were the only two chances by the Dutch in the second half.

“It was sad that we couldn’t see out the game. I can’t remember a single chance by Holland before the goal. That we concede two is not exactly deserved,” Thomas Müller said after the game.

It was a shocking result overall given that Germany were in control for most of the game. “Whoever said that football is a game where 22 players kick a ball about for 90 minutes and at the end the Germans always win hasn’t got a clue, and should be relegated”, former England forward Gary Lineker tweeted after the match.

Lineker had of course coined the famous phrase that Germany always win at the end. Today it was certainly the other way around as the Netherlands won the group thanks to a fortunate point in Gelsenkirchen.

The danger of Pot 2

“We will qualify because the first two go through,” Löw said after being asked about potentially landing in pot 2 of European Championship qualifying.

Only the ten best countries are seeded ahead of the draw that will take place at the beginning of December. Die Nationalmannschaft are currently 11th and have to hope that Portugal defeat Poland on Tuesday.

Overall, however, Löw is right. Every group will see two teams go through to the European Championships that will take place all over Europe and in the current form Germany should be able to qualify.

Manuel Veth is the owner and Editor in Chief of the Futbolgrad Network. He also works as a freelance journalist and among others works for the Bundesliga and Pro Soccer USA. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in History from King’s College London, and his thesis is titled: “Selling the People’s Game: Football’s transition from Communism to Capitalism in the Soviet Union and its Successor States,” which is available HERE. Originally from Munich, Manuel has lived in Amsterdam, Kyiv, Moscow, Tbilisi, London, and currently is located in Victoria BC, Canada. Follow Manuel on Twitter @ManuelVeth.